BOWLNANZA!: The BCS Title Game

#3 Florida (12-1) vs. #1 Ohio State (12-0)

Florida was one of the three national title contenders coming out of the SEC, but most figured the Gators' difficult schedule would prevent them from making it there. And, well, it probably should've. There was the loss to Auburn, but games against Alabama, LSU, Vanderbilt, and of course, South Carolina were pretty close statistically, if not in score during the former two. The offense, #21 in yardage nationally, is led by senior QB Chris Leak (2729 yards, 22/13 TD/INT) and frosh QB Tim Tebow (430 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD.) The Gators don't really have any outstanding running backs, but between, Tebow, RB Deshawn Wynn, and speedy frosh WR Percy Harvin, the Gators rank top-35 in rushing yards per game. The defense is stout, at #6 in scoring and #10 in yardage.

There were concerns about Ohio State's young defense, but voters had enough confidence to vote the Buckeyes the preseason #1. Four months later, there's still there. Heisman-winning QB Troy Smith didn't have an eye-popping season statistically, but was efficient as any QB in the country (2507 yards, 30/5 TD/INT.) Plus, after Smith's games against Texas (17/26, 269, 2 TD) and Michigan (29/41, 316, 4/1 TD/INT,) it's pretty safe to say he's the best big-game quarterback in the NCAA. Oh, and the Buckeyes have some good running backs in Antonio Pittman (1171, 13 TD) and Michigan-gashing superfrosh Chris Wells (567, 7 TD,) and big-play WR Ted Ginn (781, 9 TD.) There's an embarrassment of riches on that side of the ball. Defensively, OSU's lived up to their potential, at #13 in yards allowed, and with a scoring defense better than everyone except Virginia Tech. The Buckeyes have a top-2o rushing defense, but as I said in my OSU-Michigan breakdown, I have some concern about the team against upper-echelon running backs. But the Ohio State defense is balanced, as they're also tied for #30 against the pass.

Michigan looks worse after that Rose Bowl loss, but if Ohio State can do what they did there, I think they can take Florida. Ohio State outgained everyone they faced this year, and really, the only team close to that dominant during the regular season was Michigan. Remember, we're one blocked field goal away from...well, probably having LSU or Wisconsin leapfrog Michigan into the national title game. Anyway, Florida definitely has a shot, and I could see Percy Harvin gashing that defense, but in the end, I'd be surprised if it was a blowout, and I'd be surprised if it was close. 31-21 Buckeyes sounds about right.

My Pick: Ohio State
Confidence (out of 5): 2